Oil and Gas PAC Spending Surges in East Texas Legislative Races

Campaign finance reports filed with the Texas Ethics Commission for the first quarter of 2026 reveal a significant spike in political action committee contributions from the oil and gas industry to East Texas state legislators. The filings, which became public on April 5, show that energy-related PACs contributed a combined $1.2 million to the campaigns and leadership funds of state representatives and senators in the region during the first three months of the year.

The increased spending coincides with two major pieces of legislation moving through the legislature: HB 2045, which would streamline pipeline permitting across rural counties, and SB 510, which would reform eminent domain procedures for energy infrastructure projects. Rep. Cody Harris (HD-8), whose district includes major pipeline corridors in Panola and Rusk counties, received $87,000 from energy PACs in Q1 alone, more than double his total from the same period in 2024. Rep. Jay Dean (HD-7) received $62,000, while Rep. Travis Clardy (HD-11) received $54,000.

The contributions raise questions about whether legislators can objectively evaluate eminent domain protections while accepting significant funding from the companies that use eminent domain most aggressively. Rep. Cody Harris told the Tyler Morning Telegraph that his votes 'are based on what's right for HD-8, period' and that campaign contributions do not influence his legislative positions. Senator Bryan Hughes, who received $110,000 from energy PACs, said the contributions reflect the importance of the oil and gas industry to the East Texas economy.

Government transparency advocates, including Texans for Public Justice, have called for stronger disclosure requirements and cooling-off periods between PAC contributions and related floor votes. Currently, Texas has no restrictions on the timing of contributions relative to legislative action.